Dependent Request
Students can request an I-20 or DS-2019 for an eligible dependent to accompany them to the U.S. A dependent is a legal spouse or child under the age of 21. U.S. born children are not eligible for I-20s/DS-2019s and do not require them.
Dependents may use the I-20 or DS-2019 to apply for a F-2 or J-2 visa to enter the U.S. If your dependent is already inside the U.S. please contact ISSS for case by case assistance.
A F-2/J-2 dependent(s)' status depends on the F-1/J-1's status. F-2/J-2 dependents have restrictions on study and work; please see below and contact ISSS for case by case assistance on either of these topics.
Gather the required documents
For each dependent you are required to show an additional proof of finances of $4,000 USD. This may be a funding letter from the department or other external source, a personal bank statement, the bank statement of a family or friend with a signed financial affidavit of support, or any combination of these sources. You may use multiple accounts/sources as long as the cumulative total meets the minimum required. A copy of your dependent(s)' passport page will also be requested.
Request an I-20/DS-2019 for your Dependent(s)
- EForms can be submitted through the AccessISSS web portal or through the AccessISSS app from Sunapsis, available on the App store and Google Play (made by Indiana University). Watch this recording if you need help navigating on the web portal.
- Select the "Dependent Request" from the EForm menu.
- This EForm will ask you to upload supporting documents. If you need assistance, please review the File Upload Instructions.
- All updates related to your EForm will be communicated over email. Please allow up to 5-7 business days for processing.
Other Considerations for Dependents
F-2 Dependents
- F-2 dependents may not work and are not eligible for Social Security numbers.
- F-2 dependent children can study in kindergarten through 12th grade; they should follow local education district requirements.
- F-2 dependents may engage in college/University level study at an SEVP-certified school in the United States as long as they are enrolled less than full-time. They may file for a change status to F-1 if they want to engage in full-time study.
- F-2 dependents should be added to your health insurance coverage. Contact your benefits coordinator.
- F-2 dependents can travel separately from the F-1 but need all required documents, including travel signature, valid passport, and valid F-2 visa.
J-2 Dependents
- Dependents in J-2 status may apply for U.S. work authorization granted by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS). J-2 dependents must wait until they have received an Employment Authorization Document (EAD) from USCIS before beginning any employment. Please contact [email protected] for more information.
- J-2 dependents may engage in full-time or part-time study.
- All J-2 dependents must enroll in required university health insurance provided through the Center for International Education & Global Strategy. If you are adding J-2 dependents after you arrive in the U.S. you should contact [email protected] or visit ISSS during walk-in advising hours.
- J-2 dependents can travel separately from the J-1 but need all required documents, including travel signature, valid passport, and valid J-2 visa.
Childcare and School
The school year in New York State begins the first week of September and runs through late June. New York State law states all children who will be 6 years of age or older prior to December 1 to be enrolled in school.
There is no tuition for children attending public school in New York State. Depending on where you live, bus transportation will be provided by the school district. School districts are determined by your place of residence; contact the school district directly for registration information. You can review additional information about schools in Albany and charter or private school options in the Capital Region.
If you have children under the age of five you may have to pay for qualified day care or babysitting. Childcare in the Albany area can be quite expensive and have wait lists, so you should plan ahead if you will need care for young children. There are also day care options in the Albany area.
Disclaimer
The information contained in this web site/form is provided as a service to international students, faculty and staff at the University at Albany. It does not constitute legal advice. We try to provide useful information, but we make no claims, promises or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness or adequacy of the information contained in or linked to this web site or any associated site or form.
Neither the University at Albany nor ISSS is responsible for any errors or omissions contained in this website, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. Nothing provided herein should be used as a substitute for the advice of competent legal counsel; students may wish to consult an immigration attorney on the specifics of their case as needed.
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